chubby cheeks and the home stretch...

chubby cheeks on a 2 year old... very cute,

chubby cheeks on a 26 year old...not as cute!

I guess I can't complain, we are in the home stretch now, with only 4 weeks to go... 28 days, can you believe it? Yes, my cheeks have finally filled out a bit and so has my belly (although this shirt does make me look bigger than I actually am), but its almost time for our little Ava's arrival.

I went to the doctor this morning, going every week now, and according to my doctor we have a bit of a "jump start," at least thats how she put it. *Forewarning TMI is possible in the next sentence!* Today we are officially 36 weeks, 1cm dilated and 70% effaced. I also had a real contraction last night... up until now its just been BH contractions, and Dr. Wecht said that if it happens again and begins to progress they won't stop it as I'm full term and ready to go. She checked again today and Ava is still head down and has dropped into position... so truly, Ava is ready, now its just a waiting game to see when she will make her debut. Of course, we could go all 4 weeks just like this and nothing may happen, but I can't help but be a bit excited and hopeful that she will come a little early... man, Sept. 11th seems so far away.

(And Andrea, if you read this, would it really be that bad if I had to bring Ava with me on the 30th?)

Two of my best friends, Amanda Jo and Shawna, are due any day now. Both of them are rounding out their 39th week, and I know they are both excited to meet their little ones (Trent & Addi). And the excitment of that doesn't help with my excitment to meet Ava... it only increases it. Every time she kicks I'm reminded that it won't be much longer until she'll be here and I won't just feel her kick anymore, but I'll get to see her and hold her.

I found myself completely overwhelmed in prayer for her this morning during my quiet time. Usually I have tons to pray about, friends, family, finances, etc., but this morning it was all about the baby. I figure last night's contraction put all that in my mind. Not that I didn't have other things to pray for, specifically my sins, but for some reason the baby seemed more important at the moment. I prayed for her health and safetly, for our labor and birth, for her life, her salvation, our parenting and ability to give her all she needs as well as raise her in the church...etc. There seems like so much to pray for, and I'm sure I forgot plenty of it.

So we're finally in the home stretch, and its kind of scary, yet very exciting. We will do our best to keep you up to date on what is happening... and when!